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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Chataigne shorts

Alterations: Lengthened the legs by about 3cm and did a rolled hem (instead of the scalloped or cuffed version), omitted the pocket flaps in the back, used a regular zipper instead of an invisible one.

Fabric: Lightweight wool suiting from my stash (it's the same I used for my Rooibos dress two years ago)

Did you see this new little pearl from Deer&Doe? The Chataigne shorts have inverted box pleats and two variations: regular waist and cuffs (version A), or high waist and scalloped hem (version B). They were released yesterday and I once again was lucky enough to be one of the testers.

The testing process was more interesting than usual for me. My thighs are the area of my body I'm most self conscious about, so I'm quite scared of wearing shorts, even in winter, with tights. But the design of Chataigne was so freakin' cute I had to try them.I started the process as someone who doesn't like shorts one bit and I ended up quite enamored with my finished product. Yay for conquering our sewing fears!

Looking at these photos, I don't feel self-conscious about my body at all, quite the contrary! I think these shorts are really flattering on my curves and the high-waist really helps my proportions. I've already worn these shorts while sitting most of the day and they weren't uncomfortable at all, but it must be noted I'm used to wearing high-waisted, cinched-in garments. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, try the regular waist variation.

One thing must be said, though. These shorts are SHORT. Poor Eléonore must have heard it quite a few times from me and other girls while testing, but her intention was to make winter shorts to be worn with tights, so you can get away with a shorter length.

Because of my own issues with my thighs, I still felt more comfortable lengthening them a bit; if you feel the same, don't worry, because it's the easiest alteration ever.

I also did a rolled hem because I was afraid the scalloped hem would have made these shorts too short for me and I didn't do the cuffs because I don't like them too much on me (my thighs touch when I walk and the cuffs can get annoying). And to avoid attracting too much attention on my behind, I skipped the pocket flaps in the back, which are not functional anyway.

You can see that my shorts have some horizontal lines at the crotch, and that's because I mistakingly cut a size too small at the crotch seam, silly me! Otherwise, I was blown away as usual by the fit, especially the corseted waist: just perfect!

This pattern is marked for beginners, and I think that's right. The zipper and the pointy part of the waistband in the center front are the only tricky parts, other than that it's perfectly doable by someone who has a little bit of experience.

I found these tights with a faux garter effect a while ago and I love how they look with my Chataigne shorts! They could easily look tacky with a skirt, but I think shorts take away some of their sultriness and make them look much more playful.

Another version is already in the works: black, with high waist and scalloped hem. But I'm also tempted to make a more comfortable pair with the regular waist... Should I make both?

38 comments:

i love them! and your curls are beautiful too (i have straight straight hair so i'm always envying pretty curls). though, i need to get started on my other deer & doe patterns first - chataigne will have to wait a bit.

Love these! That high waist is amazing - I love how it's really fitted. I actually quite like the feeling of being pulled in in that area. Impossible to show off your bum when you bend over - winner! I'd like to try these - maybe the scalloped hem version with some added belt loops. You should definitely make more as well!

Thanks for the tutorial, I've spent the last few weeks trying to get my head around SBAs! Here is my post on the subject, but for dartless bodices. Hope it might be of use to someone. http://belgianseams.blogspot.be/2013/11/SBA-part2.html

Nice shorts, I'm always on the lookout for a shorts pattern that is a little more dressier than the usual styles. Although coming into our summer here in Australia it would be without a pair of super cute tights like yours

These shorts are incredible, especially with that bit of length added. I was only thinking the other day how I wanted to throw out all my summer shorts, bar one pair, as I find them unflattering and uncomfortable, but I may now have to think about throwing them out anyway and replacing with a pair of these.

Firstly - those tights! I've been a fan of that style for ever, but was worried about wearing them with skirts....but you've found the perfect solution...they are perfect with the shorts. Secondly - the way you describe your thighs is exactly how I feel about mine. And yet you look lovely in these shorts...they are so flattering and fun! Maybe winter shorts aren't that scary really! You look incredible in this outfit!x

I love these shorts on you! I have the same problem with cuffs and the nightmare of rubbing. I also have the problem that shorts tend to hike up in the inseam as I walk, which is not too flattering. The waist on these shorts is amazingly flattering on the other hand. I am very tempted by this pattern. I might have to add it to my wish list.

You look lovely in these trousers and I would also say, go for both versions! With winter coming you will wear them a lot and a girls can't have to many trousers, right? Now you tempt me really to also try this pattern, especially because I haven't tried any Deer&Doe pattern yet! Maybe after Christmas, because before I am busy sewing Christmas presents :)

I'm not a fan of shorts either, being also quite self-consious about my thighs, and not liking the fact that shorts often tend to bunch up at the crotch. But this pattern - especially as I see your longer version - looks like it might be able to reconcile me with shorts...and yours really look gorgeous on you! Congratulations!

I love this shorts!Especially the high-waist!I'm a total sucker for high-waist pants and shorts!And I also love the tights!I think you look amazing in these!Can I ask if Deer&Doe patterns are available as PDF patterns as well??

They're really cute shorts! My least favourite part of my body has to be my thighs too so I'm also a scared of shorts, but you've almost made me think that they might be a good idea - your black version sound great too, looking forward to see how they turn out!